Project description
Complex I as a critical target in curing mitochondrial diseases
Mitochondria are cell energy hubs, generating the majority of cellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) via a respiratory chain coupled to oxidative phosphorylation. The oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + hydrogen (NADH) by the enzyme NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) provides the main driving force for ATP synthesis. Complex I deficiency is the most common pathology in mitochondrial diseases, Parkinsonism, diabetes, cancer and ageing. Preliminary data have demonstrated that stabilisation of Complex I could ameliorate the symptoms of respiratory deficiency in cellular models of mitochondrial dysfunction, and this stabilisation could be achieved with the loss of caseinolytic peptidase. The EU-funded CICURE project aims to investigate the possibility of targeting caseinolytic peptidase located in the mitochondrial matrix to ameliorate symptoms of mitochondrial diseases using in vivo genetic models.
Objective
Mitochondria are found within every human cell and are responsible for the majority of energy production in the cell. When the mitochondria do not function properly, they cause devastating diseases affecting many and often multiple organs with the highest energy needs, such as skeletal muscle, brain, heart and liver. Over the years we have steadily increased our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms leading to mitochondrial disease, developed different models and biomarkers. Unfortunately, development of effective therapeutic approaches able to improve the outcome of the diseases or at least to ameliorate or postpone the symptoms was much less effective.
Today, therapeutic options for mitochondrial diseases still remain focused on supportive dietary interventions aimed at relieving complications. Therefore, it would be ideal if a single approach could be developed that would be equally effective with various mitochondrial diseases most often characterized by complex I deficiency.
Our preliminary data show that by removing the major mitochondrial matrix protease CLPXP, and therefore stabilizing CI, we could ameliorate the symptoms of respiratory deficiency in different cellular models of mitochondrial dysfunction. The loss of CLPP in these models resulted not only in increased stability of CI, but also normalized NAD+/ NADH that collectively resulted in improved proliferation and survival rates. Remarkably, even partial loss of ClpXP activity in respiratory deficient cells led to mild increase in the CI levels, opening an exciting prospect for therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the overall goal of this project is to explore the possibility of targeting CLPP activity to ameliorate symptoms of mitochondrial diseases in in vivo models through genetic interventions and search for specific protease inhibitors.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2018-PoC
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50937 Koeln
Germany
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